Inspired by the Garden’s own revitalization, the evening’s menu will be designed and prepared by Patina Restaurant Group. Each course will feature fresh ingredients that were sustainably grown and harvested.

Honoree

Better Earth Award

Viraj Puri
Cofounder and CEO, Gotham Greens

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is pleased to honor Viraj Puri, cofounder and CEO of Gotham Greens, for his dedication to creating transformative pathways to affordable, nutritious, and locally grown produce through urban agriculture, sustainable technology, and social entrepreneurship.

Since its establishment in Brooklyn in 2009, Gotham Greens has been a leader in identifying innovative solutions to major environmental challenges while addressing core community needs. Under Viraj’s leadership, Gotham Greens has revolutionized how fresh food is grown and distributed by transforming underutilized rooftops with technologically sophisticated urban greenhouses powered by 100 percent renewable electricity.

Gotham Greens has quickly become one of the largest and most commercially successful urban agriculture companies in the world, with more than 170,000 square feet of greenhouses across four facilities in New York City and Chicago and projects in development in cities across the United States. The company’s unique model provides ways in which cities can supply urban communities with a reliable year-round, local supply of produce grown under the highest ecologically sustainable standards.

Prior to Gotham Greens, Viraj developed and managed startup enterprises in the United States, India, and Malawi, focusing on sustainable agriculture, green building, renewable energy, and environmental design. He has received fellowships from the TED conference, Wild Gift, and the Environmental Leadership Program. Viraj is also a LEED Accredited Professional.